Portugal

Overview of Portugal

A sun-soaked land on the Iberian Peninsula with plenty to offer to both short- and long-term visitors, Portugal's greatest attraction is its gorgeous coastline. The southern region of the Algarve is a firm favourite, where an array of top-class beach resorts, once sleepy fishing villages, provide luxurious oceanside accommodation.

The region's fine, year-round climate and ease of access mean that it is a hugely popular winter sun vacation destination. Additionally, there are several low-cost European carriers that provide direct cheap flights to the Algarve. It also serves well as the perfect place for a weekend getaway when the daily grind of city life becomes too much. Seaside towns like Albufeira and Lagos are home to some of the best beach resorts in the Algarve, providing a heady mixture of sheltered beaches, outstanding natural scenery and high-quality lodgings.

There is far more to Portugal than its beaches, however. As anyone who has ever set foot in Lisbon's historic Alfama district, or travelled to the medieval town of Évora will tell you, the country is home to some breathtaking architecture and cultural treasures. Notable tourist sights in Lisbon include the Jerónimos Monastery and its Manueline architecture, the iconic Monument to the Discoveries, and the most-photographed building in all of Portugal, the Tower of Belém.

This geographically varied country also offers skiing opportunities at the Vodafone Ski Resort in the Serra Estrela Mountains. This craggy, forested mountain range is also a great area for walking and hiking trails, and is the place to go for those craving the pampering of a spa resort holiday in Portugal.

map of Portugal

Key Facts

Language:
Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Passport/Visa:

All visitors, except EEA member states, must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey, and proof of paid accommodation (equivalent in convertible currency accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Travel to Portugal

Overview

Sightseeing in Portugal is a privilege and joy to those who've sampled the country's warm climate, charming ports and friendly people.

The sea has always been Portugal's first love. The golden beaches and soaring cliffs of the Algarve attract millions of visitors every year. Vibrant, energetic tourist resorts in the South give way to the natural treasures of the Parque Natural de Ria Formosa.

The trademark seven hills of Portugal's historic capital city, Lisbon, stand over a colourful city. Visitors can wind their way through the city aboard the famous Tram 28, and experience mournful Fado music in the Alfama district. Not to be missed is a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra, nestled in the mountains north of Lisbon. Equally impressive is the walled town of Obidos, with its hilltop castle now turned into a luxury pousada (inn).

Not far away lie the mysterious megalithic monuments of the Cromeleque dos Almendres, situated just outside the lively university town of Evora. Porto, in the north, is an edgy city boasting a historic centre and great food and drink, gateway as well to the famous Port-producing region of the Doura Valley. On the way north to Porto, visitors should stop to take in the atmosphere in Coimbra, former medieval capital of Portugal and home to the country's oldest university dating back to the 13th century.

Portugal's historic seafarers uncovered yet more delights in their travels to the West. The tiny island of Madeira is known as a 'floating garden', hiding a botanical wonderland and famous fortified wine behind its soaring ocean cliffs. Further West lie the Azores, dramatic island landscapes shaped by geological forces within the earth. Visitors can indulge in watersports, see whales and dolphins, hike to volcanic craters and explore the lush scenery.

Climate in Portugal

The weather in Portugal is among the warmest in Europe, with an average temperature of around 55°F (15°C) in the north, and 64°F (18°C) in the south. The average annual rainfall is as high as 118 inches (300cm) in the northern mountains, but countrywide is closer to 43 inches (110cm).

Southern Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. There is very little rain and summers are warm, but refreshing sea breezes make for pleasant conditions. Summer temperatures in the Algarve can pass 86°F (30°C), and reach as high as 116°F (47°C) in the Alentejo.

In the north, the weather is wetter, particularly in winter, and cooler, with temperatures influenced by Atlantic currents and the Spanish Meseta.

The climate of the Azores and Madeira is subtropical with some variation from island to island. Much of the Azores experiences dry summer months with warm temperatures year-round.

The best time to travel to Portugal is during spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) when days are pleasantly sunny and warm but tourist areas are relatively quiet. These seasons also offer cheaper rates at hotels and less crowded beaches, restaurants and golf courses.

Health Notes when travelling to Portugal

There are no health risks attached to travel to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries, including the UK, whose citizens can receive low-cost emergency care at state hospitals. It is advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and medical insurance is therefore advised.

Safety Notes when travelling to Portugal

Generally, safety is not a problem for travel in Portugal but there is a rising incidence of petty theft and pick pocketing in tourist areas, so reasonable care should be taken. Portugal has a very poor road safety record so exercise caution and drive defensively when exploring in a rented car.

Customs in Portugal

It is a legal requirement for foreigners to show some form of identification on request.

Duty Free in Portugal

Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarrilos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of liquor less than 22% volume; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers.

Doing Business in Portugal

Business culture in Portugal observes a strict hierarchical 'top-down' approach to management and leadership. Subordinate employees are expected to do as they are told. Strong business relationships are built on trust between colleagues, and personal connections are important. Business etiquette is formal, yet relaxed. Use titles ('Señhor' and 'Señhora') until strictly instructed not to do so, and show deference to those in obvious positions of authority. Business meetings in Portugal must be made by appointment, and should not ordinarily be scheduled for times when they might conflict with important family or religious holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.).

The dress code in Portugal is strictly smart and formal - with a strong emphasis placed on presentation. Business hours in Portugal vary, but are generally from 8.30am to 1pm, and 3pm to 6pm, from Monday to Friday.

Communication in Portugal

The international access code for Portugal is +351. Pre-paid sim cards can be bought at airports and used in unlocked mobile phones.

Wifi is available in most hotels, cafes and some restaurants throughout Portugal.

Tipping in Portugal

Service charges are not usually added to hotel and restaurant bills but it is customary to leave a 10 percent tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors, except EEA member states, must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey, and proof of paid accommodation (equivalent in convertible currency accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject', 'British Overseas Territories Citizen', and Identity Cards issued by Gibraltar must be valid for the duration of intended stay. British passports with any other endorsement must be valid for three months beyond period of intended stay. Visas are not required for British Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Subjects, and those with Identity Cards issued by Gibraltar.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal. A passport valid on arrival is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa.

Tourist Offices

Institute of Portugal Tourism, Lisbon: +351 211 205 050 or http://www.visitportugal.com

Portugal Embassies

In the United States:

Portuguese Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 350 5400.

In Canada:

Portuguese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 729 0883

In the United Kingdom:

Portuguese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 235 5331.

In Australia:

Consulate General of Portugal, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9262 2199

In Ireland:

Portuguese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 412 7040

In New Zealand:

Portuguese Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 255 2569

In South Africa:

Portuguese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 341 2340

Foreign Embassies in Portugal

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 727 3300

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 316 4600

British Embassy

British Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 392 4000

Australian Embassy

Australian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 310 1500

Irish Embassy

Irish Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 330 8200

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand Consulate, Lisbon: +351 21 314 0780

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 319 2200

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Azores (Portugal)

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Clinician View
Traveler View

Map - Azores

Clinician View
Hide

Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

 get_vaccinated hygiene

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Azores, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

 get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

 get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in Azores. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
 get_vaccinated animals

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Azores, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated animals
Rabies

Rabies is present in bats in Azores. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
  • People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

Top

Hide

Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Azores, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

Hide

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Azores. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Hide

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Azores include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Hide

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Azores’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Hide

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Azores may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Azores, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Hide

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide

Top

Hide

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Azores for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

Top

Hide

Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Azores (Portugal).

Top

Hide

After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

Top

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
1.12 BMD
Bermudan Dollar 		1.12 USD
U.S. Dollar 		0.77 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling 		121.65 JPY
Japanese Yen 		1.46 CAD
Canadian Dollar 		1.10 CHF
Swiss Franc
1.54 AUD
Australian Dollar 		28.05 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia 		377.26 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge 		1,682.21 LBP
Lebanese Pound 		0.80 LYD
Libyan Dinar 		7.66 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
120.52 NPR
Nepalese Rupee 		0.43 OMR
Omani Rial 		4.07 QAR
Qatari Rial 		1.54 SGD
Singapore Dollar 		9.26 SEK
Swedish Krona 		7.41 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
11.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar 		51.20 DOP
Dominican Peso 		7.51 HRK
Croatian Kuna 		20.82 MXN
Mexican Peso 		654.97 XOF
West African CFA Franc 		3.54 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
1.12 BSD
Bahamian Dollar 		2.36 FJD
Fiji Dollar 		25.29 HNL
Honduran Lempira 		123.47 DZD
Algerian Dinar 		1,330.84 MMK
Myanma Kyat 		12.50 BWP
Botswana Pula
3.76 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol 		774.75 CLP
Chilean Peso 		534.10 AMD
Armenia Dram 		27.00 CZK
Czech Koruna 		22.32 MDL
Moldova Lei 		138.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
3,282.94 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum 		4.31 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel 		0.79 JOD
Jordanian Dinar 		0.34 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar 		35.02 UYU
Uruguayan Peso 		39.68 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
31.85 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba 		9.32 NOK
Norwegian Krone 		4.38 PLN
Polish Zloty 		4.19 SAR
Saudi Riyal 		163.12 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee 		39.79 THB
Thai Baht
4.10 AED
U.A.E Dirham 		4.02 BRL
Brazilian Real 		4.52 RON
Romanian New Leu 		8.68 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar 		656.46 XAF
Central African CFA Franc 		25,106.99 VND
Vietnamese Dong
15.58 ARS
Argentine Peso 		3.01 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar 		8.75 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal 		10.92 MAD
Moroccan Dirham 		0.42 BHD
Bahrain Dinar 		1.12 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
1.67 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat 		3,482.98 COP
Colombian Peso 		76.30 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som 		312.53 HUF
Hungarian Forint 		8.79 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble 		15,285.70 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
9.92 EGP
Egyptian Pound 		1,330.60 KRW
South Korean Won 		6,333.44 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní 		4.65 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit 		601.85 CRC
Costa Rican Colón 		1.64 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
117.01 PKR
Pakistani Rupee 		74.62 RUB
Russian Rouble 		17.43 ZAR
South African Rand 		2.37 TND
Tunisian Dinar 		2.23 BBD
Barbadian Dollar 		1.96 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
3.30 TRY
Turkish Lira 		52.08 PHP
Philippine Peso 		36.44 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar 		219.51 NGN
Nigerian Naira 		119.70 XPF
CFP Franc 		4.37 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
139.55 JMD
Jamaican Dollar 		2.01 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder 		1.54 BND
Brunei Dollar 		123.51 RSD
Serbian Dinar 		7.35 CNY
Chinese Yuan 		22,229.06 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
7.43 DKK
Danish Krone 		3.84 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat 		75.14 INR
Indian Rupee 		     
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Euro

1 USD = 0.90 EUR

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Euro

1 CAD = 0.68 EUR

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Euro

1 GBP = 1.29 EUR

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Euro

1 AUD = 0.65 EUR

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Euro

1 NZD = 0.61 EUR

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Euro

1 ZAR = 0.06 EUR

Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
Humberto Delgado Airport
http://www.ana.pt

Location: Lisbon The airport is around 3.6 miles (6km) north of Lisbon.

map of Humberto Delgado Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +351 21 841 3500.

Transfer between terminals: There is a free shuttle bus connecting the two terminals.

Getting to the city: The Metro operates from a station under the airport, running to the city between 6.30am and 1am. Carris coaches run every day between 5.35am and 12.30am, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. The Aerobus also travels to the city centre every 20 minutes between 7am and 11.20pm.

Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Guerin, Goldcar, Hertz and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxis can normally be found outside both the arrival and departure terminals. Some taxis will charge extra for luggage and all will charge extra at night.

Facilities: There are a range of passenger services at Humberto Delgado Airport including ATMs, bureaux de change, showers, a post office, left-luggage, baby care facilities, meeting rooms and a help desk in both Arrivals and Departures. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including a duty-free. Disabled facilities are good and passengers requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline.

Parking: Short-term parking at Humberto Delgado Airport, in lot P1, starts at €0.95 per 15 minutes. Lot P2 is farther from the terminal building but slightly cheaper, and lot P3 offers long-term parking rates of €18 per day. Note that online discounts are available for pre-booked parking through the airport's website, starting at €5.

Faro Airport (FAO)
Faro Airport

Location: The Algarve The airport is 2.5 miles (4km) west of Faro.

map of Faro Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Contacts: Tel: +351 289 800 800

Getting to the city: There is one bus line that runs between the airport and the Faro city centre from around 5.20am to 00.10pm daily. The journey takes 20 minutes. Buses to other parts of Algarve are available from the city centre. Alternatively, there is a taxi rank outside the terminal building with drivers waiting to take you to other destinations around Algarve. Their vehicles are identified by their black and green or beige colouring.

Car rental: There are a number of car hire companies that operate out of Faro Airport, both local and multinational. These include AurigaCrown, Auto Jardim, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Guerin, Hertz, Sixt and Goldcar.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: The airport has several restaurants, bars and shops, cafés, a duty frese store, wifi access, ATMs, bureaux de change, a massage service, a post office and a bank.

Parking: There are six different parking areas. These include short term parking and drop offs, varying low cost options, car hire, private coaches and transfers. All six are within acceptable walking distances to the terminals.

Departure Tax: None

Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)
João Paulo II Airport
http://www.ana.pt

Location: The Azores 1.9 miles (3km) west of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island

map of Ponta Delgada Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October)

Contacts: +351 296 205 400

Getting to the city: There is a bus to downtown Ponta Delgada, however taxis are the preferred method for city transfers as the airport is only 1.8 miles (3km) from the city centre.

Car rental: Argus operates car hire facilities at Ponta Delgada airport.

Airport Taxis: There are taxis available at the airport 24 hours a day.

Facilities: The terminal contains restaurants, duty-free shopping, a bank, currency exchange, post office, ATM, and tourist information centre.

Parking: Parking in lot P1, closest to the airport terminal, starts at €0.60 per 15 minutes and then charges €10 for the first day, €12 for two days, €14 for three days, and €3.20 per day thereafter. Lot P2, situated farther from the terminal, is a little cheaper at €0.50 per 15 minutes, €8 for one day, €9 for two days, and €1 per subsequent day.

Departure Tax: None

Porto Airport (OPO)
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
http://www.ana.pt

Location: Porto 6.8 miles (11km) northwest of Porto.

map of Porto Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: Porto Airport is served by the Metro's Violet Line. It runs to the Estádio do Dragão, operating every 20 to 30 minutes and dependent on the time and day of the week. Taxis are available outside the terminal. Passengers may prefer to order one via phone. Numerous shuttle companies transport passengers across the city from the airport. These include the Airport Shuttle, Barquense, getBUS, Goin'Porto, Ovnitur Viagens, Transdev and Autna. STCP bus lines 601 and 602 run to Cordoaria from 5:30am to 23:30pm. Resende bus services operate every day except Sunday from 06h10 to 19h30, every 30 minutes. Schedules are altered on Sundays and public holidays, running every 40 minutes from 07h25 to 14h05 and every 30 minutes from 14h30 to 19h30.

Car rental: Car rental companies operating out of Porto Airport include Avis-Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz and Sixt.

Airport Taxis: Taxi's are available, and are the most convenient and fastest method of getting to the city centre. The journey from the airport to the city takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Facilities:

Parking: Parking rates in section P2 for 15 minutes is the cheapest option, charging £0.70. Depending on parking section and duration of parking, the fee could rise up to £10.

Madeira Airport (FNC)
Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport
http://www.anam.pt

Location: Madeira The airport is located eight miles (13km) from the city of Funchal.

map of Madeira Airport

Time: GMT (GMT +1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Getting to the city: The Aerobus travels between the airport and Funchal. Schedules may change so it is advisable to look up timetables before organising your journey. Buses are available every day with routes that reach across the island. Research these routes for times and destinations. The taxi rank at Madeira Airport is on the ground floor outside the arrivals gate.

Car rental: Car rental companies operating out of Madeira Airport include Avis-Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz, Rodavante, Sixt and Madeira Rent.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities:

Parking: All parking lots at Madeira Airport have access to pedestrian routes leading to the terminal. Prices begin at €0.40 per 15 minutes and €18 per day. These may change depending on location, length of parking and proximity to terminal. A loss of receipt will incur cost of €65.

Sintra
Costa do Estoril

The picturesque resort town of Sintra, 18 miles (29km) north-west of Lisbon, lies at the heart of one of Portugal's most appealing holiday regions, abounding with natural beauty, historical and cultural attractions and plenty of leisure opportunities. Sintra itself, characterised by lush greenery, bright splashes of flowers and elaborate 'wedding cake' palaces, was described as a 'glorious Eden' by classic poet Lord Byron.

No wonder it was once chosen by royalty and nobility as the place to build their summer holiday retreats and, in more modern times, has been accorded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sintra is actually an amalgamation of three villages, sprawling down a steep granite hillside, so the layout is a little confusing for visitors on holiday. The huge Palacio Nacional, with its tall, conical chimneys serves as a landmark in the centre of Sintra, and makes a good starting point for walking tours of the key attractions of this fascinating fairy-tale town, captured by Christian Crusaders from the Moors in 1147.

A fun way to see the town and surrounds is aboard the historic 100-year-old Sintra Tram, which connects Estefanea to Praia das Macas. It is open for rides for the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for a couple of Euros.

Nightlife in Sintra

Sintra is certainly not a party town, but as one appreciative visitor remarked: 'When there are so many marvels to enjoy during the day, who needs nightlife?' Evenings tend to be spent sedately, wining and dining. There are, of course, several bars in the town, some of which occasionally offer live music and can work up quite a buzz. The liveliest bars and cafes are on the Rua das Padarias, Rua Fonte da Pipa and Rua da Ferraria. Late night owls should enjoy the Adega das Caves bodega, which is open until the wee hours on the Praca da Republica, drawing an international crowd.

Shopping in Sintra

Shopping in Sintra becomes a tour of traditional Portuguese folk art and crafts. Do not expect a frenetic spending spree in glitzy modern malls. Sintra's shops are tucked away in narrow cobblestone streets, waiting to be ferreted out by those who appreciate fine holiday souvenirs, like hand-painted ceramics, lace, beaten copper and bronze, embroidered linen and jewellery. Goods come from all over the country, including the Azores. Prices can be steep, but most merchants are open to a little bargaining. Best place to shop is the Praca da Republica and Sao Pedro Square. Those who are seeking modern designer clothing and houseware will have to travel out of town to the huge Cascais Shopping Centre, the area's largest shopping mall.

Things to do in Sintra

Most tourists are drawn to Sintra for sightseeing, and there are plenty of historic buildings and museums to fill a busy holiday itinerary including the Sintra Modern Art Museum, Toy Museum and Archaeological Museum. Sintra also offers all that is necessary for a seaside holiday, its golden sands, clear Atlantic waters and magnificent coastline ensuring it is a real fun-in-the-sun pleasure spot. Best beaches are Sao Juliao, Magoito, Macas, Grande and Adraga. There are opportunities for a host of water sports, with surfing and fishing being the most popular. The clifftops provide perfect platforms for paragliders. Golfers are also drawn to Sintra to the Estoril-Sol Golf Club, which lies at the foot of the Sintra mountain range. Although only a 9-hole course it is sought after for its beautiful forested setting.

Things to be aware of in Sintra

Sintra has little to offer the young clubbing and party set, being more of a sightseeing or beach holiday destination. Its close proximity to Lisbon means that it is often crowded at weekends in summer.

Dining in Sintra

The best Sintra restaurants tend to keep their offerings local, often with international overtones. Some delicious specialities of the region to look out for are Negrais suckling pig, Merces pork, roast kid, bass and shellfish of all sorts. Then there are the pastries, particularly Sintra queijadas, which are like mini-cheesecakes, made to an age-old recipe. Cream cakes and local jams complete the temptations, all of which should be accompanied by some excellent Portuguese wines.

Cascais
Costa do Estoril

Once just a small picturesque fishing village, Cascais has exploded into one of the most bustling, sophisticated holiday resorts on the Portuguese Riviera. It retains its laid-back atmosphere, however, and the local fishermen still ply their trade and auction their catch on the main square.

Cascais town now hosts a plethora of elegant shops, bars and eateries set around colourful cobblestone walkways, to cater for the holidaymakers. Besides the lovely local beaches there are some other great sightseeing opportunities. Cascais' 16th century church has carved and gilded woodwork and some famous paintings, while the Cascais Amunicipal Museum is housed in a palace and has some interesting exhibits and illuminated manuscripts.

The Sea Museum contains everything maritime from model boats to fishermen's boots, and the 16th century Fort of Cascais offers a beautiful view and an open-air artillery museum. About two miles (3km) out of Cascais is a strange rock formation known as the Mouth of Hell, which is worth a look en route to the lovely beach of Guincho, a holiday favourite for surfers.

Nightlife in Cascais

The Cascais resort has a vibrant nightlife, offering everything from traditional Fado to wild dance clubs. Largo Luiz de Camoes Square is the hub of the hotspots, with a collection of bars and clubs. Most popular and lively of the clubs, Coconuts, is to the west of the town on the seafront, with a bar and dance floor. Other favourites include Baluarte, Ferdi's, O' Neills Irish Pub and Bally Bally Pub.

Shopping in Cascais

Shopping in Cascais' town centre is an enjoyable pastime, exploring the Rua da Raita pedestrianised street which offers numerous small shops selling local wares, including hand-embroidered linen and hand-painted tiles and other ceramics. Along the beachfront are the ubiquitous open-fronted stores and kiosks selling holiday requisites like buckets and spades, sunglasses and sunscreen. For local colour the place to be is on the Rua Mercado on Wednesdays or Saturday mornings when the farmer's market is held, selling fresh produce and plenty of other goods. Glitzy shopping is at the huge Shopping Cascais Centre, out of town on the highway to Sintra. There are two floors with hundreds of stores dealing mainly in clothing, accessories, furniture and household goods.

Things to do in Cascais

The focus of daytime activity while on holiday in Cascais are the local beaches, but those who want a break from sand and sun can tour some worthy local sights, like the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, which features paintings by 17th-century female artist Josefa de Obidos. There are a couple of museums, displaying maritime relics and items depicting the history of Cascais. The Parque do Marechal Carmona is also worth a visit, offering shady picnic spots and a small zoo. Most visitors take an excursion to the Boca do Inferno, a scenic spot where waves tumble into a hole in the cliff.

Things to be aware of in Cascais

Visitors staying near the centre of town may find it quite noisy.

Dining in Cascais

Cascais is renowned for its quality dining, drawing gourmets from Lisbon and nearby Estoril. The main restaurant strip of Cascais is the walk-through Rua Frederico Arouca, and the lively Largo Luis de Camoes. Here you will find a wide choice of eateries, most with outside areas, from cafes to traditional taverns, serving both local fare and international cuisine. Fish restaurants abound; be warned it is said that one should not eat fish in Portugal on Mondays, because fishermen do not go to sea on Sundays! Specialities of the Estoril coast are fish stew, sole, dried codfish, lobster and crab. Spicy chicken dishes are also popular. Enjoy the reasonably priced good local wines. Popular restaurants in Cascais include the Michelin-starred Fortaleza do Guincho, and the local seafood at Restaurante B and B.

Estoril
Costa do Estoril

Sixteen miles (26km) west of Lisbon is the trendy resort town of Estoril, a cosmopolitan holiday destination with a promenade along three narrow coarse sandy beaches, luxury hotels, championship golf courses and some excellent restaurants. During World War II exiled royalty from all over Europe took refuge here and whiled away their time gambling in the Estoril's casino, which is one of the largest in Europe. The town is also known for its summer handicraft fair, and the nearby Estoril Autodrome, which draws motor racing enthusiasts.

Nightlife in Estoril

The main drawcard after dark in Estoril is the famed casino, which not only caters for gamblers and slot machine addicts, but also offers a flashy cabaret show. When it comes to clubs and pubs, the options are better in nearby Cascais.

Shopping in Estoril

Shopping is limited in Estoril, mainly confined to mini-market grocers serving the locals with a few craft shops and vendors along the beachfront. Souvenirs are available but for a real shopping spree while on holiday, visitors have to head for the large Cascais Shopping Centre a few miles away.

Things to do in Estoril

Besides the beaches (which can become very overcrowded in summer) Estoril is not short of things to do while on holiday. It is particularly well equipped for golfers, and therefore draws plenty of visitors who enjoy the old, established championship golf course. Tennis has also put Estoril on the map, its annual Tennis Open in April having ensured that the local tennis club offers plenty of state of the art courts, which guests can enjoy. There is a music museum to browse through in the town, and boat excursions on offer. When Estoril's attractions start to pall, visitors can enjoy a walk along the esplanade to Cascais to see what is happening in this lively neighbouring resort.

Things to be aware of in Estoril

Estoril is a sedate seaside destination, not suited to children or young party animals.

Dining in Estoril

The Estoril resort has a modest selection of restaurants serving both local dishes and international fare, but most tend to be rather upmarket and expensive. There are some laid-back cafes around the casino, and casual eateries along the promenade. For a superb dining experience one cannot beat the Four Seasons in the Palácio Hotel, Rua do Parque, where the gourmet menu extends from sole meneure to wild boar cutlets. An excellent fish restaurant, next to the casino, is the Costa do Estoril, a good place to indulge in the Portuguese favourite codfish.

Vilamoura
The Algarve

Vilamoura, an ambitious purpose-built holiday resort on the central Algarve coast, is one of Europe's largest privately developed tourist havens, offering holidaymakers every form of sport, entertainment and amenity imaginable. The resort is built around a magnificent 1,000-berth marina, alongside which are preserved Roman ruins that were unearthed during construction back in the 1960s.

The southern border of the Vilamoura holiday resort is host to a long, sandy beach, which is lined with quality hotels, self-catering apartments, numerous restaurants and shops, and a host of leisure facilities including a casino. Further inland, villas nestle in lush gardens between the golf courses. Vilamoura, which means 'Village of the Moors', is designed for pure pleasure for everyone, of any age or orientation. Nature has enhanced the resort with a temperate sunny climate and beautifully landscaped surroundings. Development has been environmentally friendly and tasteful.

Nightlife in Vilamoura

Nighttime is fun time in Vilamoura, where bars, discos and live entertainment venues abound. Everything from traditional Portuguese Fado to striptease and karaoke is there to be enjoyed. Vilamoura's international Casino is the haunt of celebrities, offering nightly dinner shows in addition to gambling tables, slot machines and bingo rooms.

Shopping in Vilamoura

Shopping arcades are an integral part of the Vilamoura holiday development, packed with designer boutiques, shoe stores, sport's outlets, perfumeries, tobacconists, jewellers and plenty more. Those wanting to seek out the local colour can make an expedition to the Saturday market in nearby Loule.

Things to do in Vilamoura

With so many tempting pursuits on offer, it is virtually impossible not to be active while on holiday in Vilamoura. There are five 18-hole championship golf courses (international tournaments are often hosted here), lawn bowling club, tennis centre, riding school, and even clay pigeon shooting. Watersports, of course, abound, and big game fishing is very popular. When all else fails there is always the cinema or casino to fall back on. Sightseeing excursions are also available to nearby Loule with its Moorish castle and 13th-century church. The Roman ruins and museum of Cerro da Vila are popular attractions, located right in the heart of Vilamoura.

Things to be aware of in Vilamoura

Some of the prettiest areas in Vilamoura are not open to the general public, including privately-owned areas and exclusive resorts.

Dining in Vilamoura

From fine dining to fast food, Vilamoura has it all in dozens of restaurants, coffee bars, ice-cream parlours and cafés scattered throughout the resort, though many of the most popular places are near the Marina.

Lagos
The Algarve

Today Lagos is one of the Algarve's most popular holiday destinations and there are hotels in Lagos catering for all needs. This once ancient port city boasts some of the area's best beaches within walking distance from most of the hotels in Lagos. Arguably the most splendid beach is Meia Praia to the east of town, where some of the best apartments in Lagos are to be found.

The southern peninsula features some sheltered cove beaches, many of which are close to some of the best hotels in Lagos. Praia de Dona Ana is very picturesque but usually overcrowded in summer. There is much to do other than relaxing on the beaches or in the hotels in Lagos, such as a visit to the old town which has a fascinating history dating back to the Carthaginians. During the great Portuguese age of discovery the port became a caravel shipyard and was the jumping-off point for many a voyage to the East. Although much of the town was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, there are still some ruins of interest remaining among the many restaurants, bars and hotels in Lagos.

Cheap holidays in Lagos have something for the whole family and hotels in Lagos can be booked through major travel agencies. Self catering apartments in Lagos may often be the cheapest option.

map of Lagos

Climate in Lagos

Lagos has a tropical wet and dry climate with two distinct rainy seasons; the more intense season occurs between April and July, with a milder one from October to November. At the peak of the rainy season, the weather in Lagos is wet about half the time. Lagos experiences a dry season (when it rains less than two days per month) during August and September, as well as between December and March, accompanied by Harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert, which are at their strongest from December to early February.

The temperature range in Lagos is fairly small, generally staying between a high of 91°F (33°C) and low of 70°F (21°C). The hottest month is March, when average daytime temperatures reach 91°F (32°C), while August is the coldest month with an average temperature of 77°F (25°C). The best time to visit Lagos is during the cooler dry season, between August and September.

Getting around in Lagos

Getting around Lagos can be a thrilling and unpredictable experience. Walking can be risky unless a traveller can convincingly blend in with the local populace, as tourists are often targeted by criminals.

The best bet is to hire a private car and driver. Drivers are available outside most hotels and concierges should be able to recommend a reliable one. Taxis are reasonably safe, reliable, and affordable. Cabs are often painted yellow with a blue stripe running down the side.

Nightlife in Lagos

With pumping night clubs, late night bars and live music venues, Lagos has firmly established itself as the nightlife capital of Nigeria. The nightlife scene tends to start late in the evening and keep going until the sun rises, with most clubs only beginning to fill up at about 11pm.

The main nightlife destinations in Lagos include Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Mainland Lagos has a couple of great bars, but these are only for the more adventurous as safety is not guranteed. A few upmarket hotels host pool parties, which are a great way to beat the heat and soak up the Lagos nightlife. Awolowo Road attracts a number of diners and late night drinkers, while Nigeria's resident expat population tend to migrate toward Pat's Place.

Finally, no Lagos nightlife experience is complete without a visit to the New Afrika Shrine - a Lagos institution. The original Afrika Shrine was the spiritual home of Afrobeat, owned by Lagos legend Fela Kuti. After it burned down, the musician's son Femi Kuti built the New Afrika Shrine to carry on the tradition, and still plays there when he is in town.

Shopping in Lagos

Shopping in Lagos is a colourful affair. Whether it's a market, mall, or boutique store, the city has something for all shoppers. When planning your trip to Lagos, it is best to put aside at least a day for exploring the various shopping opportunities on offer.

The larger shopping malls are located on Lagos Island and the Lekki Peninsula. Shoppers wishing to find clothes, jewellery, electronics and high-end souvenirs should head to Victoria Island's Palms Mall, Megaplaza, and Park 'n Shop. Lagos has a great selection of mementos and gifts for friends and family back home. Keep in mind that virtually no shops will accept foreign credit cards, and deal only in cash.

Visitors wishing to buy masks, crafts, paintings, statues, and local jewellery will be in their element at Oyubo Market, which is located eight miles (14km) from the city centre. The market is divided into a food section and a handicraft area. The food section is particularly worth visiting for local cuisine. Many of the city's hotels, particularly the Meridien Eko Hotel, have great gift shops and traders stationed outside the hotels.

Counterfeit goods are widely available in the informal markets, and can be had for extremely low prices. Bargaining is essential: a general rule of thumb is to offer a third of the asking price. Most seasoned hagglers will agree that starting at a third of the asking price and settling at half is the best way to get the item you are after.

Sightseeing in Lagos

Lagos has a number of interesting museums, including the National Museum of Nigeria, the Didi Museum, the Nike Art Gallery, and the National Theatre of Arts and Culture.

For many travellers, the noise and bustle of the city's streets and markets will seem enough of a sightseeing adventure. Lekki Market is a great experience, and one of the best places to explore what city life in Lagos is all about.

After a few days in the city, many visitors may feel the need for some peace and quiet, and there are a number of great attractions within an hour's drive from central Lagos. There are several excellent beaches in the area, including Eleko Beach, Bar Beach, Elegushi, and Lekki Beach. Nearby beach resorts like Hermitage Garden Resorts and La Campagne Tropicana on the Lekki Peninsula are worth a visit, as is the Lekki Conservation Centre. Finally, no trip to Lagos is complete without a visit to Sungbo's Eredo to see the largest pre-colonial construction Africa has to offer, or the ancient slave port of Badagary Town.

Things to do in Lagos

In Lagos, there is little need to do anything more to enjoy your holiday other than sprawl on the sandy beach with an occasional dip in the ocean, but those who need more activity can choose between dozens of pursuits like sailing, wind-surfing, fishing, para-sailing, microlight flights and scuba diving. Golf is a major attraction here as it is throughout the Algarve, with the Palmares and Alto courses nearby offering a round with sea views. There is also the challenge of the Penina Championship Course, site of many a Portuguese Open. Those who hire a car will be well-rewarded in exploring the adjacent coastline and seeking out unspoilt villages and beaches. There are also a few sightseeing opportunities in the town, including an interesting museum.

Things to be aware of in Lagos

There is not a lot for children to do in Lagos but there is a zoo and an excellent water park not too far away.

Dining in Lagos

Eating out is part of the pleasure of a holiday on the Algarve, and Lagos offers the best choice of establishments in which to indulge. Seafood lovers will be ecstatic, but no one, even vegetarians, will be disappointed or go hungry. A good choice would be to visit the marina, where restaurants serve waterfront breakfasts, lunches and dinners seven days a week. For creative international cuisine, visit some of the establishments in town, which cater to almost everyone, including vegetarians. Truly gourmet local specialities like pork chops with figs, savoury shrimp, and succulent shellfish are enjoyed at upper class spots all around Lagos, with many having big wine cellars to boast as well.

Attractions in Lagos

National Museum

Occupying prime position on Lagos Island in the centre of the city, the National Museum contains a number of treasures and cultural relics of great interest. Take your diary along to record the experience as photography is not allowed. Highlights include the exhibit 'Treasures of Ancient Nigeria: Legacy of Two Thousand Years', and the bullet-ridden black Mercedes in which former president Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1973. Also not be missed is the gallery of Benin brasses and the crafts village, where you can haggles for souvenirs.

map of National Museum

Lekki Conservation Centre

Situated on the Lekki Peninsula covering 190 acres (78 hectare), the Lekki Conservation Centre is perfect to experience the fauna and flora of this region's delicate ecosystems. You can see Mona monkeys, crocodiles, bush bucks, Maxwell duikers, and giant rats, among other fascinating creatures. There are various trails and tree platforms to get the best vantage point. Visit in the early morning when the animals are most active. Tours need to be booked in advance.

map of Lekki Conservation Centre

Website: http://www.ncfnigeria.org

Sungbo's Eredo

Take a taxi one hour north of Lagos to see Sungbo's Eredo, Africa's largest pre-colonial construction, a sight rated by experts as an unknown 'Wonder of the World'. The Eredo is a rampart that is 1,050 years old, 100 miles (160km) long, and 70ft (20m) high. Locals will need to guide you in and out, as the structure is rapidly being covered by encroaching forest. The enigmatic Eredo has been linked to the myths and legends of various tribes and religions. According to the local Ijebu clan, the Eredo may have been built as a memorial to noblewoman Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo, a childless widow, whose grave is located nearby.

map of Sungbo's Eredo

Lekki Market

For a taste of the real Lagos, head to the bustling, chaotic, and always fascinating Lekki Market. Intrepid shoppers that make the trip here will be rewarded with a wonderful selection of African masks, Nigerian beadwork, and traditional cloth. The Lekki Market is located about 6 miles (10km) from the centre of Victoria Island, and is a popular taxi route. Bargain hard, but keep smiling. Get a local to help you navigate the market, for about NGN 50, it will be money well spent.

map of Lekki Market

Eleko Beach

The best beach for Lagos-based visitors is Eleko Beach, located just one hour away from Nigeria's frenetic economic heartland. It's clean and peaceful, with perfect waves and beach huts for hire, and is currently free of the traders and hawkers that can irritate visitors on beaches around Lagos Island. Eleko Beach is a welcome relief from the grime and congestion of the metropolis. To get there, head out east on Lekki Expressway for about 19 miles (30km) and turn right at the petrol service station.

map of Eleko Beach

Address: Eleko Beach Road, Lekki

Osun-Osogbo

One of Nigeria's top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove holds a deeply special place in the hearts and minds of the Yoruba people. Located in the last remaining areas of pristine forest in southern Nigeria, the grove is said to be the home of Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility. Numerous shrines and sanctuaries have been built in honour of Osun, including sculptures done by Austrian national Suzanne Wenger who earned herself the local name Aduni Olosa, the 'Adored One'. If at all possible, time your visit to coincide with the Osun-Osogbo Festival (late July to August), a 12-day celebration of significant cultural interest.

map of Osun-Osogbo

Lekki Beach Resort

A favourite among business travellers to Lagos and expatriates living in the area of Victoria Island, Lekki Beach Resort is a new establishment offering well-heeled tourists the opportunity to experience some refinement and luxury in the midst of the often chaotic and ramshackle city.

Built along 1.6 miles (2.5km) of the pristine Lekki Beach shoreline, and covering an area of 157 hectares (388 acres), the Lekki Beach Resort is a major operation featuring luxury accommodation, including an 18-hole golf course designed by Ron Garl, and a clubhouse with a fine restaurant and bar. There are also numerous family-oriented amenities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, exercise rooms, and a health spa. Undoubtedly the premier place to play golf in Nigeria, the course is also quite a beautiful sight in its own right, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings and boasting fantastic Atlantic Ocean views.

map of Lekki Beach Resort

Website: http://www.lekkibeachresort.com

Albufeira
The Algarve

A busy trading port in ancient times, Albufeira declined into a poor fishing town in the 18th century, having been swamped by tidal waves and burnt out by civil war. But since the 1960s the tide has turned again and this central Algarve enclave is once more awash with prosperity, thanks to a tourist boom.

Albufeira, Portugal's most popular holiday resort, has been described as a stretch of 'holiday-land suburbia', spreading from the old town both east and west along the coast, its sandy coves and golden beaches drawing an assorted crowd from retired couples to wild teens, and plenty of families with young children. Satellite resort developments provide every imaginable type and grade of accommodation.

Everyone finds something to enjoy in this sprawling, low-rise holiday destination, which retains its old world charm in narrow alleyways behind the new hip and happening "Strip". The Strip, to the east of town, runs from the Montechoro Hotel down to the Praia da Oura, lined with dozens of cafés, restaurants and bars that keep pumping from breakfast time to the small hours. On the long stretch of beach below Albufeira's central square, accessed through a tunnel, craggy fishermen mend their nets, unperturbed by the languishing topless sunbathers around them.

While the chief holiday attraction of Albufeira is its numerous enchanting beaches, most protected by ochre-tinted cliffs, there are some interesting sightseeing possibilities too, like the new Virtual Archaeological Museum, the Municipal Art Gallery and a small museum showcasing Ming ceramics. Those who venture inland will find a tranquil green countryside to explore, replete with almond, fig, orange and pine trees, where little villages stand timelessly in the sun.

Nightlife in Albufeira

After a day in the sun most holidaymakers enjoy sipping a drink at one of Albufeira's many outdoor cafés, watching the world go by, before adjourning to one of the lively bars that surround the town square or line The Strip. Bars keep hopping until three or four in the morning, but those who want to dance the night away can keep going until sunrise at one of the nightclubs or discotheques that are ten a penny in the town.

Shopping in Albufeira

From seafront kiosks full of fun-in-the-sun odds and ends to a full on shopping mall experience, Albufeira can keep most shoppers reaching for their wallets with a tantalising array of merchandise. The town's main shopping plaza is the Modelo Centre in Rua de Municipio, north of downtown. Not far away is the lively Algarve Shopping Complex in Guia, where brand name shoes and clothes are on offer in a high street mall type complex, along with restaurants, an English-language cinema and bowling alley. Those seeking genuine local souvenirs should look out for mats made from rush or cornhusks in the villages of Almeijoafras and Monte Novo, woven baskets, woodcarvings and some glazed terracotta ceramics. These are to be found in numerous independent shops in the town centre as well as local markets.

Things to do in Albufeira

While on holiday in Albufeira, relaxing on the golden beaches and in the warm, clear water is enough to content most vacationers, with about 23 beaches (some with Blue Flag status) in the area along a 19-mile (30km) stretch of coastline. Watersports of all sorts are on offer at the main beaches, from sailing and windsurfing to jet skiing. Golfers can try out the neat nine-hole Pine Cliffs course about three miles (5km) east of Albufeira at the Sheraton Algarve.

Those with children will spend fun times at Zoo Marine in Guia, just a few miles away, with water slides, swimming pools, dolphin shows and an aquarium. Just wandering around the intriguing old town centre is a pleasant way to pass a day. Look out for interesting local landmarks like the Clock Tower at Rua Bernardino de Sousa, and the 18th century Parish Church on the Rua da Igreja Nova, built on the site of an earlier one that collapsed in the earthquake of 1755.

One of the few buildings that survived that quake is the Old Inn on Rua Henrique Calado. Also fascinating is the Xorino Cave, which served as shelter for fugitive Moors during the Christian conquest of the town in ancient times. There is also an archaeological museum in Albufeira and several art galleries worth visiting while on holiday.

Things to be aware of in Albufeira

During the height of summer Albufeira is a favoured holiday destination for young singles, and it can become a bit rowdy at night.

Dining in Albufeira

Like everywhere in Portugal, seafood is the speciality of the house in most of the dozens of restaurants in and around Albufeira. The catch of the day is guaranteed to be fresh in this traditional fishing town, particularly in the eateries clustered at Fisherman's Beach, below the main town square. Specialities to seek out are sardines, flounder and bass, lobster and prawns. A true local dish is Caldeirada, a stew made up of several types of fish, cooked up with potatoes, peppers and parsley. Steamed clams, cuttlefish cooked in their ink and octopus salad are other indigenous culinary adventures. The local wine is a worthy accompaniment.

Tavira
The Algarve

The holiday resort destination of Tavira, to the east of Faro in the south-east corner of Portugal, is one of the most photogenic towns along the Algarve coast, sporting white-washed houses topped with decorative chimneys and pyramid shaped Roman-tiled roofs, set among orange, fig and almond trees. The charming town, on the Gilao River, dates back to around 2,000 BC, and also boasts a Moorish Castle, with some splendid views from the ramparts.

There are some attractive churches (37 of them to be exact) to see on holiday in Tavira, including the Church of the Misericordia with a beautiful Renaissance door and carved high altar. Not many of the buildings pre-date the devastating earthquake of 1755, which destroyed much of the Algarve, but the town was painstakingly rebuilt with many fine 18th century buildings.

Tavira flanks both banks of the river, which are linked by a Roman bridge. Along the coast and on an island opposite the town (reached by ferry) are some beautiful isolated sandy beaches, well worth visiting while on holiday in the area.

Nightlife in Tavira

There are bars and cafés aplenty in Tavira, though the town is not famous for its nightlife. Docas, near the central market, has number of lively bars. Arco Bar mixes up some great cocktails, or for a more chilled out evening The Poet, in the middle of town, always attracts a good crowd. Patrick's is popular with expats, and UBI is a sleek bar located in a former tuna factory.

Shopping in Tavira

Tavira is well equipped with utilitarian supermarkets for self-caterers on holiday, and many souvenir shops selling cork items, lace, embroidered goods and shell art. There is an upmarket handcraft shopping centre called "Old Market" for discerning shoppers. The town has a fresh produce market daily.

Things to do in Tavira

Hunt for seashells on a Tavira Island holiday, and enjoy a variety of watersports, explore the quaint town itself, or play golf at the nearby Benamor Course. It is a good idea to hire a car and explore into Spain to the East (Tavira is close to the border) and along the rest of the Algarve to the West.

Dining in Tavira

Like most of the holiday resort towns on the Algarve, Tavira is a food-lovers haven, especially for those who enjoy seafood. There are numerous restaurants along the quayside and riverbank, serving excellent cuisine at reasonable prices.

Sao Miguel
The Azores

São Miguel, largest in the Azores group, is a scenically spectacular holiday resort destination, with green pastures and forest-covered volcanic peaks. The island may be the largest, but it is still very small - just 40 miles (64km) long and 7.5 miles (12km) wide.

The São Miguel town of Ponta Delgada is the largest in the archipelago, and features a historic centre with pretty white-washed houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. There are numerous low-key holiday accommodation establishments and good restaurants. The island is famed for its delicious pineapples and intricate embroidery.

Nightlife in Sao Miguel

The nightlife in São Miguel is low-key and café-based, but there are a few lively bars in Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande that stay open quite late. Most of the night hangouts are low key establishment, often serving up live music and a few pool tables to keep guests entertained.

Shopping in Sao Miguel

São Miguel has a three-level shopping mall, Sol Mar, with several movie theatres in addition to shops. Popular São Miguel souvenirs include edibles like local cheese and tea.

Things to do in Sao Miguel

São Miguel's most alluring attraction is Sete Cidades, a 15 square mile (40 sq-km) volcanic crater containing two lakes, one deep blue, and the other emerald green. The island also features a tropical garden at Terra Nostra Park, where it is possible to bathe in therapeutic spring water, as well as the only tea plantation in Europe, sited at Gorreana. There are a number of marked hiking trails around the island, and dolphin and whale watching trips are popular activities.

Things to be aware of in Sao Miguel

Avid partiers will find São Miguel's nightlife lacking.

Dining in Sao Miguel

There are a number of good restaurants, centred mostly in the towns of Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande. You best bet is to go for local cuisine, which is beautifully prepared by most of the restaurants in this region.

Overview of the Attractions in Portugal

Sightseeing in Portugal is a privilege and joy to those who've sampled the country's warm climate, charming ports and friendly people.

The sea has always been Portugal's first love. The golden beaches and soaring cliffs of the Algarve attract millions of visitors every year. Vibrant, energetic tourist resorts in the South give way to the natural treasures of the Parque Natural de Ria Formosa.

The trademark seven hills of Portugal's historic capital city, Lisbon, stand over a colourful city. Visitors can wind their way through the city aboard the famous Tram 28, and experience mournful Fado music in the Alfama district. Not to be missed is a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra, nestled in the mountains north of Lisbon. Equally impressive is the walled town of Obidos, with its hilltop castle now turned into a luxury pousada (inn).

Not far away lie the mysterious megalithic monuments of the Cromeleque dos Almendres, situated just outside the lively university town of Evora. Porto, in the north, is an edgy city boasting a historic centre and great food and drink, gateway as well to the famous Port-producing region of the Doura Valley. On the way north to Porto, visitors should stop to take in the atmosphere in Coimbra, former medieval capital of Portugal and home to the country's oldest university dating back to the 13th century.

Portugal's historic seafarers uncovered yet more delights in their travels to the West. The tiny island of Madeira is known as a 'floating garden', hiding a botanical wonderland and famous fortified wine behind its soaring ocean cliffs. Further West lie the Azores, dramatic island landscapes shaped by geological forces within the earth. Visitors can indulge in watersports, see whales and dolphins, hike to volcanic craters and explore the lush scenery.

Pico
The Azores

The resort island of Pico is dominated by its volcanic namesake, rising from the middle of the landscape and towering 7,720ft (2,351m) above sea level. It is the highest peak in Portugal. A single road, following the rugged coastline, encircles the island. It is possible to climb the volcano to the peak but the route is arduous and should not be attempted by amateurs. Pico's other main claim to fame is as a jumping-off point for whale-watching expeditions, offered by local boatmen. In the island's vineyards, the famous 'verdelho' wine grapes are grown. In the town of Lajes, there is a whale-hunting museum and at São Roche, you can discover a museum depicting the operation of a whaling factory.

Sintra
Lisbon

Sintra is steeped in history and offers some of the most exquisite natural and architectural sites in the country. Verdant hills and pastureland wend their way northwest from Lisbon, out of the Tagus estuary and up towards Sintra. The resort town enjoys a picturesque location, nestled in the rolling hills and peaks of the Sintra mountain range. Here, at the northern-most extent of the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, history, archaeology, architecture and natural beauty combine to create a compelling and enduring centrepiece that has enjoyed centuries of popularity. Lisbon and Sintra are connected by a reliable and inexpensive train service.

map of Sintra

Terceira
The Azores

Terceira, an island resort destination in the Azores, holds many places of interest for tourists. The historic centre of its capital town, Angra do Heroísmo, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is an idyllic setting, renowned for its pastel-coloured sunset vistas. Terceira is best known for its periodic 'running of the bulls'. Ask in the local bar when the next event is likely to take place. Besides the capital, the other main town on the island, Praia da Vitória, is interesting because of its American flavour. Being close to the American airbase in Lajes, it features several burger joints and US-style souvenir shops.

São Jorge
The Azores

The resort island of São Jorge is surrounded by sheer black cliffs and is the centre of the Azores' dairy industry. The lush green grass of the island's fields plumps up the grazing cows, who in turn produce rich milk for creamy, straw-coloured wheels of cheese. The island also has exclusive rights to the delicious fleshy cockles that are caught in the waters of Caldeira de Santo Cristo. Aside from its gastronomic delights, São Jorge offers active pursuits like dive fishing, hiking, swimming and bird watching. Villages such as Velas and Manadas possess historic buildings dating back to 1400 and offer the sleepy culture of traditional harbour towns.

Santa Maria
The Azores

The island resort of Santa Maria, a fantastic holiday retreat, lies southwest of São Miguel Island and features an airport that was a World War II American Air Force base, now appropriated as a civil airport. The main town on the island is Vila do Porto. It only has one hotel but also several inns and private villas for rent. There are a few sandy golden beaches on the island, including Praia Formosa, and the scenic Maia and São Lourenço Bays, offering rocky cliffs and attractive vineyards. Pretty villages like Anjos and Santo Espírito are steeped in local history and culture, and the island has many colourful festivals throughout the summertime.

Castelo de São Jorge
Lisbon

The walls of Castelo de São Jorge sit atop a hill guarding the Tagus, dating from the Moorish occupation in the 10th century. But the site has been a fortress for centuries, possibly from 500 AD. The castle is regarded as the cradle of Lisbon and today it provides a panoramic view of the River Tagus and the Alfama medieval district below. Visitors can walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts while a multimedia show is available during the day which brings alive the history of Lisbon. The castle grounds are planted with olive, pine and cork trees and provide a pleasant spot to relax.

map of Castelo de São Jorge

Website: http://www.castelodesaojorge.pt

Alfama
Lisbon

The oldest part of Lisbon, the Alfama quarter sprawls down the hillside from below the Castelo de São Jorge. It retains much of the traditional colour and atmosphere from the days when it was the ancient seat of the Saracens. Along the narrow cobblestone alleyways are taverns and street markets, interspersed with close-packed houses still occupied by stevedores, fishmongers and sailors. Lisbon's renowned flea market, the Feira da Ladra, is held in the Campo de Santa Clara at the edge of the Alfama, every Tuesday and Saturday. The Alfama is also full of historic buildings and churches, which are well worth exploring.

map of Alfama

Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon

Sé de Lisboa is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Alfama district of Lisbon. Since the beginning of its construction in the year 1147, the Lisbon Cathedral, as it is commonly known, has been modified several times and survived many earthquakes. Nowadays, it is a mix of different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic architecture. It was built on the site of a Saracen mosque after the city was captured by the Crusaders in the 12th century. Inside, this ancient church features treasures like the font where St Anthony of Padua was baptised in 1195 and numerous notable relics, images and icons.

map of Lisbon Cathedral

Address: Largo da Sé, 1100-585 Lisboa, Portugal

Website: http://www.patriarcado-lisboa.pt

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Lisbon

Gulbenkian was an Armenian oil magnate who died in 1955 having put together one of the world's finest private art collections. The collection is now housed in a modern centre where the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation sponsors a host of cultural and performing arts projects, featuring a rotating exhibition of works by Portuguese and foreign artists. The Gulbenkian collection itself covers Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, Islamic ceramics and textiles, Syrian treasures, Chinese ceramics, Japanese prints and lacquerware, and European medieval illuminated manuscripts. The collection is vast and astounding. Among the paintings are two Rembrandts, a Rubens and a Renoir.

map of Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Address: Avenue de Berna 45A

Website: http://www.museu.gulbenkian.pt

Bairro Alto
Lisbon

The Bairro Alto district is a historic enclave dating back to 1513, reached via the Santa Justa Elevator from the lower city. The colourful district resounds to the calls of vendors and fishmongers while the windows and balconies are festooned with laundry and bird cages. At night, the area comes alive with some of the finest fado cafés in the city along streets lit by Victorian lanterns. Fado is the famous brand of music and dance brought to Portugal by African slaves in the 19th century. There is no better place in Portugal to experience this musical genre than in the Bairro Alto of Lisbon.

map of Bairro Alto

Monument to the Discoveries
Lisbon

One of the most famous sights in Lisbon is the imposing Padrão dos Descobrimentos, situated on the riverbank along Avenida de Brasilia in the district of Belém. Designed to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discovery, Belém, where the Tagus meets the sea, is the point from which the maritime explorers of yore set forth in their sailing ships to discover the world. The monument was unveiled in 1960 on the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1460. The massive monument takes the form of a caravel with Prince Henry at the prow, backed by images of renowned mariners, royal patrons and others who participated in the golden Age of Discovery.

map of Monument to the Discoveries

Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Tower of Belém
Lisbon

Belém Tower, also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, is a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem. The tower was built in the 16th century to serve as a fortress in the middle of the River Tagus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Jeronimos Monastery. The famous Belém Tower is one of Lisbon's most photographed landmarks. The outer walls are adorned with beautiful openwork balconies and a stone-carved rope, along with Moorish watchtowers and battlements shaped like shields. Visitors to the site should make sure to get a guided tour to learn the rich history of the beautiful structure.

map of Tower of Belém

Address: Avenida de Brasilia

Website: http://www.torrebelem.pt

Fatima
Lisbon

In 1917, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and spoke to three peasant children in the valley of Cova da Iria, 79 miles (127km) north of Lisbon. The children claimed to have seen the apparition on five different occasions, and the spot has now become one of the great pilgrimage shrines of the world, known as Fatima. Between May and October, the 13th day of every month is pilgrimage day, when hundreds of the faithful gather in a square twice the size of St Peter's in Rome before the Chapel of the Apparitions. The original oak tree is gone, but has been replaced by a simple white column inside a basilica, which is flanked by statues of the saints.

map of Fatima

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis
Porto

The National Museum Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis), located in the ancient Carrancas Palace in Porto, is one of the most renowned Portuguese museums. This extensive art museum opened in 1840 and is today dedicated to Antonio Soares dos Reis, the famous sculptor born and bred in Porto. The gallery also houses a foreign art collection which includes works by the Dutch, Flemish, Italian and French masters. There is a large collection of Portuguese 19th century works, including those from the Porto school, and exhibits of ceramics, glassware, gold and silverwork, and furniture.

map of Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis

Address: Palacio dos Carrancas, Rua de Dom Manuel II

Website: mnsr.imc-ip.pt

Igreja de São Francisco
Porto

On the Porto waterfront stands the church of St. Frances, dating from 1383. While not very imposing from the outside, it has a lavish Baroque interior that was created in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pillars and columns within the vault are festooned with gold-gilded cherubs and flower garlands, entwined animals and fruit cornucopia. This feast for the eyes is set off by wide Gothic arches made of marble that soar into the roof. The Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis) is the most prominent Gothic monument in Porto. It is located in the historic centre of the city and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

map of Igreja de São Francisco

Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique

Solar Vinho do Porto
Porto

Many visitors come to Porto for its foritified wines. The place to head for samples of every port produced in the region, and also the rest of Portugal, is the Solar Vinho do Porto. It is found in the splendid grounds of the Crystal Palace Gardens and in the vicinity of the Romantic Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha. Inside the rose-bedecked villa is a relaxed, upmarket tasting room. Staffed by knowledgeable hosts who offer glasses or bottles of port, you can enjoy complimentary snacks and learn about the port-making process. Also in the villa is a small museum containing a collection of 18th century furniture and paintings.

map of Solar Vinho do Porto

Address: Rua de Entre-Quintas 220

Vila Nova de Gaia
Porto

This suburb of Porto lies along the south bank of the River Douro, on the site of an ancient fortified village. Today, Vila Nova de Gaia is home to more than 50 wine companies who operate their lodges in the winding narrow streets flanked by red-roofed buildings. Most of the lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Among the best known are Sandemans, housed in a former 16th century convent, and Taylors. The suburb also features a 16th century monastery that has interesting circular cloisters and a terrace where the Duke of Wellington planned his attack on the French in 1809.

map of Vila Nova de Gaia

Frederico de Freitas Museum
Madeira

The Frederico de Freitas Museum in Funchal houses a vast array of decorative pieces. Turkish, Moorish and North African tiles, as well as about 2,000 mugs, trophies and vases are on display, along with Madeiran artefacts, porcelain works, religious sculptures, ancient sacred paintings and Chinese and North African metal and woodwork. When Frederico de Freitas died, he left his collection to the Autonomous Region, during which time the building was expropriated by the Regional Government. It then started rebuilding and restoration works on the house for the purpose of opening it to the public as a museum.

map of Frederico de Freitas Museum

Address: Calçada de Santa Clara 7, 9000-036 Funchal, Portugal

São Vicente Caves
Madeira

Formed 890,000 years ago, the São Vicente Caves are among the first caves of volcanic origin to be opened to the public in Portugal. The caves were formed by a volcanic eruption which occurred in Paul da Serra. The outer part of the lava that was exposed to lower temperatures solidified rapidly while the inside remained liquid with lots of gases, forming a series of lava tubes. The caves were first reported in 1885 by locals and opened to the public on October 1st, 1996. At the end of the tour, visitors may access the Volcano Centre, a pavilion offering a range of educational and entertaining audio-visual displays. They recreate the geological evolution of the caves and the eruption of a volcano. They also simulate the birth of the Madeira Islands.

map of São Vicente Caves

Website: http://www.grutasecentrodovulcanismo.com

Madeira Cable Car
Madeira

A favourite attraction in Madeira's capital, Funchal, is to ride the cable car from the Parque Almirante Reis in the old part of the town up to the scenic village of Monte in the mountains above the city. The journey takes about 15 minutes and ends at the cableway station near the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The panoramic view spreads to the delightful city of Funchal and to an overwhelming landscape, where nature's green melts with ocean's blue. The bottom station for the cable car is situated at the Inn Quinta do Bom Sucesso on Madeira Island, seven minutes from the centre of Funchal city.

map of Madeira Cable Car

Address: Caminho das Babosas

Website: http://www.telefericojardimbotanico.com

Funchal Cathedral
Madeira

In the heart of the historic section of Funchal stands the Sé do Funchal, the most impressive of Madeira's religious edifices. From outside, the simple rough white stucco and brownish basalt of the catherdral is not all that impressive, but after entering through the Gothic portal there is plenty to admire. The ceiling, for instance, is Moorish carved cedar inlaid with ivory, and behind the Baroque altar are paintings by Flemish and Portuguese artists. The late fifteenth-century cathedral is one of the few structures that survived intact since Madeira's early period of colonisation. As the centre piece of the structure, the cathedral contains a silver processional cross, donated by King Manuel I of Portugal, considered one of the masterpieces of precious metalwork of Portugal's Manueline style.

map of Funchal Cathedral

Website: http://www.sefunchal.com

Porto Santo
Madeira

Madeira's sister island, Porto Santo, lies 42 miles (68km) northeast of its larger sibling and was actually discovered before Madeira itself. Porto Santo is rather bleak and barren. However, its southern coast is bordered by a lovely 5 mile (8km) stretch of beach fringed with soft golden sand, making for a popular holiday resort. The main town on the island is Vila Baleira, which was visited by Christopher Columbus. There is a scenic park in the town, some cafés and pretty cobblestone streets lined with stucco houses. Visitors can catch one of several regular daily flights to and from Madeira, or ferry from Funchal harbour to Porto Santo.

map of Porto Santo

Setúbal
Lisbon

Setúbal, one of Portugal's oldest cities, is renowned for producing the most delicious muscadel wine in the world. Setúbal is also the capital of Portugal's sardine industry and has been a fish-salting centre since the 1st century. White mounds of sea salt drying in the sun are a familiar part of the local landscape. The city sits nearby the Nature Park of Arrábida. The park offers unspoilt nature and beautiful beaches. Lucky visitors may even be able to spot the dolphin colony, which inhabits the Sado River.

map of Setúbal

Cristo Rei
Lisbon

Christ the King, known as Cristo Rei, is a Catholic statue and monument dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. It overlooks the city of Lisbon in the central part of Portugal. The shrine was inspired by the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, after the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon visited that monument. Like the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio, the Cristo Rei spreads its massive arms as if to embrace all of Lisbon. Situated on the bank of the Tejo River opposite the city, the statue is over 328 feet (100m) tall and provides amazing panoramic views of the city from the top.

map of Cristo Rei

Address: Alto do Pragal, Av. Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal

Website: http://www.cristorei.pt

Guimarães
Porto

The historic town of Guimarães is regarded as the birthplace of Portugal. Here, in 1128, Afonso Henriques became the first king of the country. Guimarães has many medieval buildings and fortifications, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions is the tiny Romanesque church where Afonso was allegedly baptised, and the imposing Palace of the first Duke of Braganza. There are numerous other Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque delights to discover in walking around the town. There are also two excellent museums: The Museu Alberto Sampaio contains religious art and relics and is housed in a monastery, while the Museu Arquelogico Martins Sarmento displays the finds from a nearby Celtic hill settlement.

map of Guimarães

Bragança
Porto

In the remote northeast province of Tras-os-Montes, the small provincial capital, Bragança, lies close to the Spanish border and is slowly being discovered by tourists. This is mostly because of its fine local museum and the small medieval village and castle on a hillock overlooking the town. Between the medieval citadel and the cathedral is the garden of the Museu do Abade de Baçal. The museum itself houses a collection of sacred art and watercolours painted by Alberto Souza. In the medieval citadel is the Domus Municipalis, a pentagonal 12th century civic building which is unique in Europe.

map of Bragança

Vila do Conde
Porto

A small town at the mouth of the River Ave, 20.5 miles (33km) north of Porto, Vila do Conde has become a popular summer holiday resort because of its sandy beaches and rocky reefs. This is despite that it does not often feel like a resort. The town has some entertaining local industries, mainly hand-hewn boat building, lace-making, hand-knitting and sweet making. Visitors are welcome at the Rendas lace-making school, where fine examples of the local lace can be purchased while the large Friday market is a good place to find both souvenirs and excellent local food.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Lisbon

Marketed as the second best aquarium in the world, the world-class Lisbon Oceanarium is the most impressive achievement of EXPO '98, which used to be an abandoned waterfront. The centrepiece of the stone and glass building is the 1.3 million gallon (5 million litre) holding tank. The Oceanarium consists of four distinct ecosystems that replicate the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Antarctic oceans, each featuring the aboveground birds, amphibians and reptiles associated with those waters. Otters splash and dive in the warmer Pacific waters, while penguins shuffle around in their tuxedos in the Antarctic section.

map of Lisbon Oceanarium

Address: Esplanada d. Carlos I

Website: http://www.oceanario.pt

Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
Lisbon

The Navy Museum (Museu de Marinha) of Lisbon is dedicated to all aspects of the history of navigation in Portugal. It occupies a part of the neo-Manueline Western wing of the Jeronimos Monastery, together with the National Museum of Archaeology. With such maritime icons as Vasco de Gama and Bartolomeu Dias, it's no wonder that Portugal's Maritime Museum is one of the best in Europe. It evokes a sense of what it was like when the conquering Portuguese dominated the high seas. Visitors can marvel at the hundreds of models of 15th- to 19th-century sailing ships, merchant marine vessels, fishing boats and pleasure boats as well as a full range of Portuguese naval uniforms.

map of Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)

Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal

Website: http://www.museu.marinha.pt

Vasco da Gama Aquarium
Lisbon

The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is a great attraction for children in Lisbon. As well as its wonderful collection of live fish and sea life, there are also preserved water birds, fish, seals, and mammals from King Carlos' oceanographic expeditions on display. The building includes two different sections, the Museum and the Aquarium, complementing each other to give a betetr understanding of the aquatic world. Outside, there's a small garden with a lake full of carp, which children enjoy feeding. Children under 6 go free and between 6 and 17 benefit from reduced prices.

map of Vasco da Gama Aquarium

Address: Rua Direita do Dafundo

Website: http://www.aquariovgama.marinha.pt

Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium
Lisbon

The 330-seat planetarium, adjacent to the Maritime Museum, offers an entertaining and educational insight into the mysteries of the universe. Visitors can tour the exhibitions before marvelling at the astronomical shows projected onto the 25-meter diameter dome. Older kids are enthralled by a visit to the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium and they are encouraged to explore its astronomical wonders. The planetarium hosts astronomical shows daily, offering an entertaining and educational experience for young minds. Ask the hotel concierge to check the times of the Portuguese, English and French shows before you visit.

map of Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium

Address: Praça do Império, Belém

Website: http://www.planetario.marinha.pt

Graciosa
The Azores

The tiny Graciosa is known as the 'White Island' of the Azores due to the pale rocky landscape. But there is variety in its golden wheatfields and green and purple vineyards. The landscape is dotted with quaint Dutch-style windmills, and most of its 4,600 inhabitants make their living from farming, winemaking and cattle-raising. Graciosa has its own unique natural attraction: the Furna de Enxofre. This is a small, warm sulphur lake, concealed in a grotto underneath a volcanic crater. Visitors on holiday here can reach the lake via a 270ft (80m) spiral staircase enclosed in a brick tower.

Évora
Lisbon

Boasting a remarkably well-preserved Old Town centre, partially bordered by medieval walls, as well as the outstanding Roman Temple (built in the 1st century AD), the gorgeous medieval town of Évora is really something special to behold. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is small, compact, easy-to-navigate and best explored on foot. Visitors will feel immersed in history as they pass by the Aqueduct of Silver Water, the Cathedral of Évora, the Palace of Vasco da Gama and the Renaissance Fountain at Largo das Portas de Moura, built in 1556. The town makes for a perfect cultural day trip from nearby Algarve.

map of Évora

Faial
The Azores

Faial, with its sheltered bays and immense volcanic crater, is the most visited of the Azores islands. Much of the interior is protected as a reserve where visitors can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna under the guidance of local guides. Faial's main town, Horta, has a large marina that is a favoured stopping point for yachtsmen, and the harbour also occasionally accommodates cruise liners. Horta and other villages have a number of pretty churches, chapels, towers and forts, and a lively small-town atmosphere. Of interest to sightseers is the new section of land, covering an area of approximately one mile (two km), added to the island in the most recent volcanic eruption of 1957.

Serra de Estrela
Porto

The Serra de Estrela, mainland Portugal's highest mountain range, is fast becoming one of Europe's hottest new resorts for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The range is formed from a huge granite ridge that reaches 6,539 feet (1,993m) at its highest point, and its unique topography of strangely-shaped crags and gorges, fast-flowing streams, mountain lakes and pristine forests makes it one of Portugal's greatest natural attractions. The ski resort itself features five miles (7.4km) of skiable snow, nine runs ranging in difficulty from absolute beginner to intermediate, and a terrain park for snowboarders. There are also hiking trails, chic restaurants and high-class health spas.

map of Serra de Estrela

Fado Bars
Lisbon

As wonderful as Lisbon's historical area of Alfama is by day, its culture can be even better experienced at night in one of the legendary fado bars of the area. Fado music dates back to the 19th century, characterised by mournful songs about ill-starred sailors. Essential to the music is the emotion of nostalgia and the sensation of loss and its permanent, life-changing consequences. An immensely popular pastime among Portuguese locals, the atmosphere inside any one of the Alfama area's fado bars can be truly magical and tourists to Lisbon are strongly encouraged to join in and become part of the unique, and strangely therapeutic, atmosphere.

map of Fado Bars

Jerónimos Monastery
Lisbon

One of Portugal's most iconic tourist sights, the Jerónimos Monastery is an absolute must-see attraction for visitors to Lisbon. A stellar example of Manueline, also known as Portuguese late-Gothic architecture, the Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning its place in the registry on the basis of its architectural splendour that 'exemplifies Portuguese art at its very best'. The Jerónimos Monastery is a beautiful building, resplendent in a gleaming ivory hue with sharp spires, intricate sculptural details and maritime motifs. The cloisters are particularly magnificent, with each column individually carved with coiled rope, sea monsters, coral and other designs that bespeak an era of nautical adventure.

map of Jerónimos Monastery

Website: http://www.mosteirojeronimos.pt/en

Flores
The Azores

Literally the island of 'flowers', this most northerly of the Azores blooms, carpeted with numerous flowers among impossibly green hills and white-washed villages. Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Azores, the best time to visit is summer, when it is covered in the bright pink and blue hydrangeas that give Flores its name. Highlights on the island include the seven serene lakes in volcanic craters, the Enxareus Grotto, the Águas Quentes hot springs, and the multiple waterfalls of the Ribeira Grande. Flores' largest town, Lajes, is a picturesque fishing port set in green fields. All the island's towns and villages have historic chapels and churches to explore.

Tram 28
Lisbon

These yellow trams, with their polished wooden floors and vintage quality, might be loud and bumpy, having been in operation since 1901, but they also wend through the most historic and most interesting areas of the Portuguese capital city. The ride travels through Graça, Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto, where the largest concentration of great sights in Lisbon can be found. The hop-on, hop-off service is a wonderful way for visitors to get their bearings in Lisbon, and the ideal way to get to know the historic city centre. Tram tickets are sold in kiosks all over Lisbon. A 24-hour pass allows visitors to explore the city with maximum flexibility.

Website: http://www.carris.pt

Espinho
Porto

The resort town of Espinho lies just 16 miles (26km) south of Porto. It has a casino and a bullring, as well as a range of shops, restaurants, hotels and campsites. It possesses a long stretch of golden sandy beach popular with surfers, a number of excellent seafood restaurants, and one of the world's oldest golf courses. The Monday market is a popular draw, occupying three city streets with stalls selling local food, crafts, souvenirs and other items. Espinho is easily navigable, with many of its chief attractions located within easy walking distance of the train station downtown. These include local museums, a planetarium, music academy, and the João de Deus city park.

map of Espinho

Public Holidays in Portugal

  2020 2021
New Year's Day Wed. January 1 Wed. January 1
Liberation Day Fri. April 25 Fri. April 25
Good Friday Thu. April 10 Wed. April 2
Labour Day Thu. May 1 Thu. May 1
National Day Tue. June 10 Tue. June 10
Assumption of the Virgin Mary Fri. August 15 Fri. August 15
Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mon. December 8 Mon. December 8
Christmas Day Thu. December 25 Thu. December 25
Easter Day Sat. April 12 Fri. April 4

Port of Call - Port of Lisbon

Lisbon attracts visitors throughout the year to revel in its warm weather, interesting sightseeing and diverse cultures. Over 250,000 cruise passengers pass through Lisbon each year and this is the departure port for many European cruise itineraries. Popular attractions for cruise passengers include the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Maritime Museum, as well as the final resting place of Vasco de Gama, the Jerónimos Monastery.

Lisbon's shops and restaurants are also worth exploring, offering an array of exotic tastes and treasures. The port is located on the Tagus estuary in downtown Lisbon, and is a well established cruise destination. There are three cruise terminals at the Port of Lisbon offering tourist information, vending machines, craft shops and public telephones.

map of Port of Lisbon

Shopping in Port of Lisbon

While there are vending machines and craft shops in the port terminals, the best shopping in Lisbon is done at the Centro Colombo and the Amoreiras Shopping Centre. The Pombaline Baixa, an historic quarter, and the Feira da Ladra market, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, are also popular shopping destinations. The Lisboa Shopping Card, available from tourist offices, provides discounts at more than 200 outlets.

Dining in Port of Lisbon

Espalha Brasas is a favourite for fresh seafood and local fare.

Alcântara Café is a trendy, stylish restaurant offering modern, spicy cuisine.

Café de Sao Bento serves traditional Portuguese steak in a cosy adult atmosphere.

Things to do in Port of Lisbon

Visit Fatima in the valley of Cova da Iria, site of the Virgin Mary's alleged appearance in 1917.

Explore Setúbal, one of Portugal's oldest cities, famous for its delicious muscadel wine.

Relax on the 'Sunny Coast' of Estoril, which inspired Ian Fleming's Casino Royale.

Enjoy the pretty town of Óbidos, given by Portuguese kings to their wives as a token of love

In the town of Évora, brave the Saint Francis Church's Chapel of Bones.

Turismo de Lisboa - Visitors & Convention Bureau 15 Rua do Arsenal Tel: +351 210 312 700 http://www.visitlisboa.com


Top